Rapid weight loss or crash dieting can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and other health problems, whereas a slow and steady approach to weight loss can help preserve muscle mass and maintain good health.
Healthy weight loss involves making sustainable lifestyle changes rather than relying on fad diets or quick fixes, which can be harmful and ineffective in the long term.
The following are some of the unhealthy ways to lose weight.
1. Skipping meals
Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can cause one to overeat later in the day and interfere with weight loss efforts.
2. Cutting out certain food groups
Carbohydrates are the major food group that is the primary source of energy and dietary fiber. Omitting them from the diet denies one of these essential nutrients needed for growth and development.
3. Only drinking weight loss shakes.
Protein shakes can be great for breakfast and lunch giving us energy for the day ahead, but you cannot rely solely on these; moreover, diet shakes are not medically proven.
4. Over-exercising
Being more active is certainly beneficial if you are trying to lose weight, but you need to know when to stop.
5. Working out on an empty stomach
It is counterproductive to work out on an empty stomach. The body tends to burn fat and muscle for energy, which may result in fatigue, dizziness, and low blood sugar. If this is sustained for a long time, it can result in low immunity, mood fluctuations, and vitamin deficiencies.
6. Being restrictive/ Fasting
While fasting may result in short-term weight loss, it is not a healthy or sustainable way to lose weight. Fasting can cause nutrient deficiencies and disrupt your metabolism.
7. Sticking to a liquid diet
Consuming food in pure liquid form, whether it be soups or juices, is not a sustainable long-term way of losing weight.
8. Taking supplements without medical approval
A lot of food supplements for weight loss are not effective.
9. Undereating or starving
Starving can prevent your body from functioning normally because it lacks the vital nutrients needed for optimal health.
Here at Practical Nutrition Consultants, we believe that anyone can achieve their desired body weight if they believe in themselves and work wholeheartedly towards attaining a healthy and fit body. Join our Weight loss for mums group and let’s walk the fitness journey together.
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Wanjiku Gachoka is a seasoned nutritionist with over ten years of experience. Her passion for educating communities on matters related to diet and nutrition has been the driving force behind her work.
Her main goal is to promote health and wellness while advocating for zero hunger.
Her approach to nutrition is grounded in making informed decisions, and she believes knowledge is power.
